Christina Auo's GDC Experiences

Post date: Mar 29, 2014 4:28:19 AM

 It was my second time being at GDC, and I felt much ready for it compared to last year when I didn't know anything about it. GDC 2014 felt slightly small compared to last year since there weren't as many companies visiting. However it was meaningful since I was able to approach recruiters and other people in more professional manner. This year, I wasn't able to attend any talks or tutorials, yet still, GDC has provided me some valuable experiences this years:

1. Presenting Portfolio

Presenting Portfolio to recruiters and senior artists is always a nervous experience. However, unlike last year, my portfolio was more completed therefore, more respected. Instead of organizing everything that I have done for past years, I organized my strongest Portfolio into handful of images. Instead of calling myself a Game Art student, I called myself armature 2D Character Artist. The recruiters of the companies are expecting you to be professional at one area rather than just being interested in many fields of study. When you are presenting yourself as an artist, it is important for you to know what is your strongest skill. Don't just tell them you like doing a lot of stuff. Those recruiters are not there to decide what you are good at. They are already expecting you to know what you are good at or what you want to do in the future. Last year, By presenting myself as a 2D Character Artist, I was able to be introduced to Professional concept artists and get their best reviews. I was able to talk to three Riot artists to give different opinions about my Portfolio. I was also able to talk to an art director of Capcom, who was nice enough to give helpful comments on my works. I was able to approach Blizzard Art Director and show my portfolio after their presentation about internship program. Be proud of your portfolio and approach to show it. 

2. Talking to Other Artists in Line

Waiting in line at GDC expo is tiring and sometimes very painful...but it is a good chance to meet some new people who are also waiting. There are many Art students, Artists, Programmers, and even recruiters who are walking around or waiting on line at GDC...and always, they are open to talk with you. I got to know a lot of people from GDC this year. There were many talented individuals from many other states and even one from oversea. I was able to become friend with one of the artist from China, who had awesome portfolio. I was able to hear good tips about digital painting. I was also able to meet some professional senior artists at Riot line. I met one senior concept artist who is happened to be a friend with Jeremy Cantor, the CA professor here at Ringling. ( I forgot the artist's name though...). Making friend in GDC is a great experience. They can review your portfolio and provide their opinions and they can also give you some good tips. They might end up in same company with you. You might contact them in the future for a project. Don't be afraid to meet some new people at GDC, they are awesome :)

3. UE4 Demo Presentation

Outside of presenting portfolios at GDC expo, I was able to attend a short UE4 Demo presentation at Unreal Booth with Esther Yang. I read the e-mail about UE4 launching, but I didn't have any idea about how it will be like .The UE4 presentation was very shocking. A guy from Epic Games quickly demonstrated all the new features of UE4, and it was tons of informations that I wasn't expecting: New material setup, the real-time setdressing, Node animation preview, and great physics demo. I still have not touched UE4  yet, i am very excited for it. 

Even though I attended GDC for only three days, I'm glad that I was able to talk to many people and grasp some good knowledge out of it.